Frances Howard, Duchess of Richmond

Art Historical Context

This engraving by Francis Delaram presents a refined portrait of Frances Howard, Duchess of Richmond, created in 1623. Delaram, a skilled English printmaker of the early seventeenth century, specialized in portrait engravings that captured the likenesses of nobility and courtiers. The work, measuring roughly 18.7 by 12.3 centimeters, exemplifies the intimate scale often used for such prints, inviting close viewing of its delicate details. Engraving was a vital medium during this period, allowing artists to incise fine lines into metal plates and produce multiple impressions for wider circulation. This technique helped disseminate images of prominent figures beyond court circles, reflecting the growing cultural role of portraiture in Stuart England. As part of the Rosenwald Collection at the National Gallery of Art, the print highlights how such works preserved the status and memory of aristocratic women like the Duchess. Delaram’s precise line work demonstrates the artistic sophistication of early modern printmaking, blending technical skill with a sense of formality suited to its noble subject.

About the Artist

Francis Delaram · 1590–1627

Francis Delaram (c. 1590–1627) was a prolific English engraver active in London during the early Jacobean era, producing several hundred plates that captured the likenesses of monarchs, nobles, and scholars. Flourishing from around 1615, he specialized in line engravings for portraits, title pages, and book illustrations, often working after prominent painters. His output contributed significantly...